By Javier Albite and Joseph Alonso
Another month-long Columbus Walkathon fundraiser has passed, with the teachers’ rock concert, Explorerpalooza, being a staple of this tradition. From Mr. Marinelli taking over the mic to sing "All the Small Things" to Mr. Ulloa going all in on the guitar solo for "Free Bird," there wasn’t a dull moment watching these teachers play their hearts out on Oct. 16.
The Walkathon Fundraiser helps raise money for different causes around the school and is an important school tradition, evolving from a normal raffle fundraiser to what it is today. But more than just the walk, the teacher rock concert has become a student favorite. Teachers, who students usually only see in the classroom, turn into rockstars, giving everyone a chance to see them in a whole new way.
"Explorerpalooza is a celebration of everything that made Walkathon so popular." English teacher and guitarist Mr. Ulloa said. "It’s weird, it’s wacky, and it’s wild. As students back in the early 00’s, we all loved the insanity of Walkathon and how much the teachers bought into that insanity. It’s just faculty and staff having fun and raising money for their students."
English teacher Mr. Chacon, who sang at the event, also says the event is of major importance for the students.
"When they see us functioning outside of the norm they may think that it’s okay to bring forth their own talents. It also shows them that it’s okay to let down their hair and have some fun," he said.
Ms. Medico and Her Love for No Doubt
During the No Doubt performance, Spanish teacher Ms. Medico joined in to sing the vocals for the song "Spiderwebs." She has always been a huge fan of the band since the '90s and wanted to use this opportunity to try something different.
"I actually don't sing, I wanted to do something different and it was one way to I guess break out of my comfort zone and that was quite impressive. I did that," she said.
Mr. Ulloa Stole the Show with "Free Bird"
Mr. Ulloa has been playing the guitar for the past 25 years and his talents really shined through that evening, especially during the "Free Bird" performance. The song's iconic four-minute-long guitar solo was played in its entirety by Mr. Ulloa in dedication to a faculty member who had recently passed away.
"To me, I mean, the finale was awesome. You can’t go wrong with "Free Bird" and Ulloa shredding on the guitar. And it was dedicated to our faculty member who passed away, Foyo, that was his favorite song," said Mr. Marinelli.
Mr. Ulloa’s skills on the guitar were impressive, but what made the moment even more special was seeing how far he had come. His performance showed just how much he had grown as a musician over the years.
"Mr. Ulloa was my student and I knew him when he was just learning how to play the guitar and he blows me out of the water. He’s amazing. He was in a bunch of bands too and very successful as well. We’re all musicians in our own right but for us it’s just a lot of fun," said Mr. Chacon
Mr. Chacon and His Musical Talents
Mr. Chacon lent his vocals to every song played during the concert. But besides singing, he's also played the piano and guitar from a young age.
"I’ve been a musician for a very long time. Pianist since the age of 5 and then I started picking up the guitar in high school and then I was in a bunch of bands in college," he said.
He also reflected on the deeper meaning of the event beyond just the music.
"We are such a special faculty," Chacon said. "Our willingness to get outside of our comfort zone and do something totally outrageous for the school community is amazing in and of itself. Yes, we are an academic institution, but we are also a family like no other."
A Special Connection to Students
For students, seeing their teachers in a new light is part of what makes this event so special.
Mr. Ulloa, reflecting on the student reactions, said, "I think students love this because we, the faculty, are not people to them. I don’t mean that we are disrespected, but that they think of us as characters in an ever-evolving narrative of Christopher Columbus High School."
As the concert ended, it was clear that this year’s Walkathon concert was not
just about the music, but about the connection between the faculty and the students.
The event was a reminder that while school is about education, it’s also about community and family—and sometimes, that means rocking out on stage for a good cause.
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